What’s in Hot & Iced Starbucks Green Tea Matcha Latte

What do you get when you add a green micropowder from Japan with hot water and steamed milk? It’s a popular, tasty, and nutritious drink on Starbucks menu.

This is your complete guide to learn more about what’s in a Starbucks Green Tea Matcha Latte.

In addition to the nutritional value and ingredients in this green tea drink, we share a simple copycat recipe you can try at home as well as a list of resources to learn more about key topics covered in this report.

What is Matcha?

Matcha originated in Japan. It’s a rich and nutritious powder made from green tea leaves. During the final weeks of growth prior to harvesting, the tea plants are covered. This process promotes an increased level of chlorophyll content and develops the unique, vibrant green color.

After harvest, the stems and veins are removed and the remaining whole leaf is ground into a fine powder. Instead of steeping traditional green tea bags, the fine green tea powder is dissolved in hot water using a special whisk or an electric milk frother.

Matcha tea has a unique flavor that is bright and slightly bitter. While many consumers enjoy a hot matcha tea without any add-ins, a latte typically includes a type of milk and a sweetener.

Potential Health Benefits

Proponents of this Japanese green tea advocate the health benefits of matcha. Studies have shown that, as with other green teas, matcha is high in antioxidants. It may help aid in heart health and promote weight loss efforts.

Matcha contains plant polyphenols and catechins, which may help with hormone balance and restrict inflammation or other skin issues. Other studies have shown that matcha may boost blood flow, which in turn can aid good skin health.

Starbucks Green Tea Matcha Latte

A Matcha Latte from Starbucks is made with only three or four ingredients. Due to regulatory guidelines that require food manufacturers to list ingredients in order of dominance by weight, milk is listed first.

However, I can confidently say that high-quality matcha powder is the true main ingredient in a green tea latte recipe.

Ingredients

The only difference between a hot latte and an iced latte is the addition of ice. Here is the complete list of ingredients for each drink.

That said, don’t forget that the classic syrup is made with its own list of ingredients. While a basic simple syrup is made with equal parts sugar and water, Starbucks uses a syrup with flavors and other additives.

Ingredients in Classic Syrup: Sugar, Water, Natural Flavors, Potassium Sorbate, and Citric Acid.

Potassium Sorbate is an inorganic (i.e., chemical) additive made from sorbic acid and potassium hydroxide. According to the FDA, it’s used to prevent food spoilage from bacteria, molds, fungi, or yeast, and maintain freshness in foods and drinks.

Citric Acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid extracted from citrus fruits (e.g., lemons, limes, or oranges) that is typically used as a flavor enhancer and preservative.

Nutritional Information

One serving of a hot matcha latte from Starbucks delivers 100 or more calories, depending on the size ordered.

The following table provides the nutritional information for a Starbucks Matcha Latte, by size, made with 2% steamed milk.

With the addition of ice, the total nutrients per serving size is reduced compared to the hot version of this drink.

Review the following table for the nutritional information in an Iced Matcha Latte made with 2% milk, by size.

Note that the iced latte is not available in the smallest drink size, known as a “short.”

Compare Nutrition Facts: Dunkin’ Frozen Matcha Latte

Product Review: Trader Joe’s Matcha Green Tea Powder

Starbucks Overview and Easy Recipe

A Few Fun Facts

Here are some facts you may be interested to know about Starbucks.

Simple Matcha Latte Recipe to Make at Home

With only a few main ingredients (matcha powder, hot water, dairy, and sweetener), it’s easy (even if it’s your first time) to make a great drink that’s very similar to the Starbucks version.

And, as with most things, by making this delicious drink yourself, you’re likely to pay a fraction of the price compared to current prices at Starbucks!

Here are our recommended ingredients, substitution ideas, and easy instructions for how to make a hot or iced matcha latte at home.

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Equipment and Ingredients

To make the best matcha latte, start with the best matcha green tea powder and a high quality sweetener.

Using a blender can help ensure the powder completely dissolves without leaving any clumps in your drink, but it complicates an otherwise simple drink. I don’t want to wash a large blender after making one drink.

I prefer to use a milk frother, except that the stainless steel scratches the bottom of my favorite mug and it leaves a mark. So, my preferred tool is a bamboo whisk.

How to Make the Latte

Ok, this part is simple. To make the latte, whisk 1 teaspoon matcha powder with 1/2 cup of hot until powder is dissolved. Add the sweetener and 1/2 cup of steamed milk, plus a layer of milk foam.

For an iced latte, whisk the powder with about 3 tablespoons of hot water, then add 1 cup of milk, ice, and a layer of cold foam.

Enjoy!

Ingredients, allergens, and nutrition facts are based on available information as of the date this article was published and/or updated. Restaurants and food manufacturers may change their recipes without notice. Check directly with the food provider for the most accurate and up-to-date information. NutritionandIngredients.com does not provide health or wellness advice or dietary recommendations. Our aim is to research commercially processed food and publish articles for informational purposes only. Unless otherwise stated, % Daily Value is based on 2,000 calories per day, but calorie needs vary by individual. Always consult your physician for any healthcare or dietary advice.